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Frenzied day in NFL as Rams watch from the sideline

By Howard Balzer (KSDK Sports) -- Flushed with a salary cap that increased $10 million to $133 million, NFL teams reacted with a frenzy when the bell rung at 3 pm Central time Tuesday, signaling the start of

(KSDK Sports) -- Flushed with a salary cap that increased $10 million to $133 million, NFL teams reacted with a frenzy when the bell rung at 3 pm Central time Tuesday, signaling the start of the 2014 league year.

Emboldened by the three-day negotiating period that began Saturday, agreements came fast and furious with offensive linemen leading the storm. Within an hour, more than 25 players had already switched teams. By the time things slowed Tuesday night, nearly 80 players were involved in transactions.

Five linemen combined for a reported $95 million in guarantees, including tackle Branden Albert moving from Kansas City to Miami for $46 million over five years with $25 million guaranteed, tackle/guard Rodger Saffold going from the Rams to Oakland for $42.5 million over five years with $21 million guaranteed, and tackle Jared Veldheer leaving Oakland for Arizona for $35 million over five years with $17 million guaranteed.

Baltimore re-signed tackle Eugene Monroe for $37.5 million over five years with $19 million guaranteed, while Denver guard Zane Beadles left the Broncos for Jacksonville on a five-year, $30 million deal with $13 million guaranteed.

Pass rushers were also in demand. After defensive end Michael Bennett re-signed with Seattle Monday, the Bears turned their attention to Oakland's Lamarr Houston, signing him for $35 million over five years with $15 million guaranteed. Later Tuesday evening, the Bears terminated the contract of defensive end Julius Peppers.

Tampa Bay was also close to an agreement with Cincinnati defensive end Michael Johnson, but no contract terms were available yet.

The Rams had interest in guard Geoff Schwartz, but he signed with the Giants. Cornerback Alterraun Verner signed with Tampa Bay, while safety Jairus Byrd signed with the Saints.

Following is a capsule look at significant moves made by teams Tuesday:Arizona: Signed tackle Jared Veldheer (Oakland); re-signed defensive end Frostee Rucker, tight end Jake Ballard; released guard Daryn Colledge.